Abstract [en]

Background: Diabetes type 2 (DT2) is an increasing health problem. The disease means that the body produces less insulin than the body need. Obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, heredity and rising age are risk factors for the disease. To avoid complications, a stable blood sugar pursued. The nurse will provide support and give knowledge for self-care, that according Orem means to provide health and quality of life. Low fat diets have for many years recommended. The popularity around low carbohydrate diet has increased in recent years. Studies shows that low carbohydrate can be beneficial for persons with DT2.

Aim: To describe the effects of low carbohydrate diets in people with DT2.

Method: The literature review with a quantitative design, contains 13 scientific articles. Friberg analysis model was used to analyze the articles.

Results: A significant improvement was observed in glucose, body mass and lipids. The diet showed no significant differences between the variables in the long term compared to other diets. The support that occurred to the participants in the studies were found to be significant in order to achieve the above effects and especially when it came to preserve the effects over time.

Conclusion: The low carbohydrate diet resulted in short- term positive effects and these effects varied whit the extent of support the studies conducted. Despite fears that the diet increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, studies showed no short-term risks.